Development of Metal Cluster-Based Energetic Materials at NSWC-IHD
Abstract
Current research efforts at NSWC-IHD are utilizing gas-phase molecular beam studies theoretical calculations, and condensed-phase production methods to identify novel metal cluster systems in which passivated metal clusters make up the subunit of a molecular metal-based energetic material. The reactivity of NixAly + clusters with nitromethane was investigated using a gas-phase molecular beam system. Results indicate that nitromethane is highly reactive toward the NixAly + clusters and suggests it would not make a good passivating ligand for these cluster systems. To date small amounts of a metal-based compound with a subunit containing four aluminum atoms and four Cp* ligands has been produced and was characterized using DSC and TGA. Results indicate this cluster material is more reactive than micron- and nano-sized aluminum. However lack of stability in air precludes it from being a viable replacement for current aluminum particles. Volumetric heat of combustion of Al50Cp*12 was determined using thermodynamic data obtained from first principles calculations. The Al50 cluster is found to have a heat of combustion near 60% that of pure aluminum.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA558892
Entities
People
- B. Eichhorn
- Chad Stoltz
- D. Mayo
- James M. Lightstone
- Jillian M. Horn
- Joe Hooper
- K. Bowen
- M. G. White
- Rebecca M. Wilson
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School